First off, why are resume cover letters important when applying for a job? To answer this question, you have to consider the fact that the employer or the recruiter doesn't even know a thing about you. Although the resume will contain details on your past work experiences and your qualifications, it just doesn't have the thing that attracts employers on why they should file your resume instead of putting it with the other badly written resumes on the office trash bin.

A cover letter is a form of introduction to the employer. It is a letter that will answer the question on why you should be hired to work for the company and why you should be the one chosen to work from all the other equally qualified applicants. With this mentioned, the cover letter should be able to grab the attention of the employer or the recruiter immediately. It should be made appropriately and professionally that it will let you stand out from the rest of the equally qualified applicants.

You have to consider the fact that companies scrap a lot of resumes and put it in the office trash bin long before they read the whole resume. They don't know you and it is your job to make it a point that they should know you. Here are ways on how you can increase your chances of getting hired by writing a perfect or attractive cover letter:

• The first thing you need to consider when making a cover letter is the first paragraph. In the first paragraph of your resume cover letter, it should explain why you are writing it on the first place. This means that it should tell your prospective employer about the particular position or job you are applying for in their company. Here are some questions you should answer in order to make it simpler for you to write a cover letter:

Why are you writing the cover letter?

What is the position you are applying for?

Why are you interested in the position you are applying for?

By answering these questions, you will have a great first paragraph on your cover letter.

• The second paragraph should state the reasons on why you are qualified for the position you are applying for. It is best to mention and highlight past work experiences that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Besides, your prospective employer will not be interested about your past work experience as a minor league baseball coach if you are applying for a marketing job. It also helps to mention which college you went to and what course you took.

Another factor that it should contain is the accomplishments you achieved on your previous job, and also your qualifications and skills that are related to the position you are applying for.

Keep in mind that the second paragraph may be the longest paragraph of the cover letter. If it seems too long, break it down into two paragraphs.

• Lastly, the whole cover letter should be professionally made and all contents should be related to the job you are applying for. Never mention anything personal as this may ruin the whole cover letter. Always remember to keep it professional and straight to the point. Also, keep the cover letter as short as possible and it should never exceed one page.

These are the things you should do when writing a cover letter. Make sure that you proof read it and look for typos and grammatical errors as this may end your chances of getting hired in a good company that offers good benefits and salary to their employees.